BIM Execution Plans

Lately, I have been interested in BIM execution plans and protocols. Besides viewing a great info session on Autodesk University, I have also been looking at previous execution plans, such as the AIA E202, Consensusdocs 301, and the Penn State Execution guidelines and templates.
I have to say that Penn State's execution plan is a little bit more detail oriented than the AIA E202 document, but in general it is good to understand all of the documents.
Here are some links to all documents:

http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/cic/BIMEx/
http://www.pat.ca/files/pdfs/AIA_091708_E202-2008_eSample_Blank.pdf

In the AIA E202 execution plan, the Level of Development (LOD) is characterized in 5 different levels:

1. LOD 100 - Overall building massing indicative of area, height, volume, location and orientation may be modeled in three dimensions or represented by other data.
2. LOD 200 - Model Elements are modeled as generalized systems or assemblies with approximate quantities, size, shape, location and orientation. Non-Geometric information may also be attached to Model Elements.
3. LOD 300 - Model Elements are modeled as specific assemblies accurate in terms of quantities, size, shape, location and orientation. Non-Geometric information may also be attached to Model Elements.
4. LOD 400 - Model Elements are modeled as specific assemblies that are accurate in terms of size, shape, location, quantity and orientation with complete fabrication, assembly and detail information. Non-Geometric information may also be attached to Model Elements.
5. LOD 500 - Model Elements are modeled as constructed assemblies actual and accurate in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation. Non-Geometric information may also be attached to Model Elements.

This video illustrates LOD 100 - 500 form the perspective view.

Analyze your Models' Visibility quickly

Hello,
welcome to today's blog on how to analyze your model's visibility. These tips reveal on how to import a Google Sketchup mass into Revit Architecture, and export the model to Ecotect. Firs off, you will need to have Google Sketchup Pro, because this version allows the user to export any mass obtained in the Google Sketchup warehouse as a DWG file. When importing a DWG file from Sketchup, save it as a family in Revit and uploaded that family into your project. From here on, you can either continue to model the shell of your building in revit, or model the building in Ecotect as various zones (which I would not recommend because it is easier to model in Revit). I also would recommend, for this exercise, to export the Revit file as a DXF format to Ecotect. Also, when importing the file into Ecotect, import it as a 3D CAD Geometry option.Make sure to check the Auto Merge Triangles box. This will clear up the imported DXF file and make it easier to work with. Also, check the scale factor; the default setting for Ecotect in in SI units.

Here is the uploaded example. It is very easy to upload any site into Revit or Ecotect. All you need is Google Sketchup Pro and understand what formats to use (DXF, DWG, etc). This example illustrates a downtown area with the model of interest and a visibility analysis being performed.
Fore more information on how to export and how to generate a quick surrounding to your model, please leave me a comment and I will be glad to help.
Enjoy